Under the tests, the Audi scored the full five stars, with Euro NCAP noting that it offers excellent all-round crash protection and has an autonomous emergency braking system available as an option. 

However, the Kia Soul EV and the conventionally powered Soul both fell short of the maximum rating, scoring four stars apiece.

In its ratings for the Soul EV, Euro NCAP noted that: ‘In the more severe side pole test, dummy readings of rib compression indicated weak protection for the chest area. The front seats and head restraints demonstrated good protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision while a geometric assessment of the rear restraints indicated marginal whiplash protection.’

Last month saw the Tesla Model S gain a five-star Euro NCAP rating.